We pulled up to the arcade, they also had a mini golf course and a batting cage. The pups cheered and ran inside dragging two of the guards with them. Samantha laughed and handed another guard some cash. “Let them run themselves out and met us back in a couple of hours.” The guard nodded and left with most of the other guards. Only Holly, Frank, Bill and the other guard, Eli stayed with us. Holly linked us. Samantha nodded. “So, what y'all want to do?” Samantha asked. “Let’s hit the batting cage.” Jake pointed as he wrapped his arm around Violet. He was going to show off for her. I smirked and pulled my mate closer. Maybe I could as well. We paid for a bunch of rounds so the guards could hit too if they wanted, Jake went first and afterwards he showed Violet how to correctly handle the bat. Violet was pretty good but that was to be expected, Samantha once told me she is the best when it comes to hand-eye coordination and ranged attacks. By the time I took my turn there was a crowd of human females gathered around, watching. I was ignoring them though, only showing off for one person. She cheers and claps every time I hit the ball and I wink at her, flexing my bicep. That gets some of the humans chattering also, but I don’t even bother to look their way. It's my mate’s turn and she doesn’t want to at first, but after a little begging on my part she goes up to try. The first ball is pitched, and she backs up quickly. “She isn’t that good when it comes to flying objects.” Violet whispered to me. “Her first reaction is to dodge.” I nodded, I remember she mentioned that before, whenever she is forced to catch anything she usually gets hit. “Come on, Love! Just try to hit one!” I called out, trying to encourage her. The gaggle of humans giggled again, and I heard one say she was about to ask for my number. I rolled my eyes before I felt a flash of jealousy. I glanced over just in time to see Sam nail a ball with the bat and it go flying right towards the group. Good thing the wire fence was strong, as it caught the ball harmlessly as the girls screamed and scattered. “Hey! I hit it!” Samantha cheered and I beamed proudly. I glanced over and the gaggle of idiots had started to regroup and watch from a distance. I sighed, internally. When her session was over she ran and jumped in my arms as I spun her around. “Proud of you, Love.” I kissed her forehead tenderly. We stood and watched the other guards hit a few balls. Maybe now the idiots will leave me alone. Bill was having fun showing off and I don’t blame him, he was still unmated, and I think that is part of the reason why Jake wasn’t comfortable with Violet around him. Afterwards I suggested a round of minigolf, something slower paced and group friendly. I smirked every time Samantha asked me to help her with her stance, she wasn’t fooling me, but I obliged every time. Violet wanted to do the laser tag next and her and Jake went with their bodyguards, leaving me and Samantha sitting at a table with Holly and Frank closeby. Samantha says she has no intention of getting shot at by Violet by anything. We looked up as the pups came running over with fistfuls of tickets asking us to count them...they are trying for a specific prize. They ran off laughing, they still needed a couple dozen. Holly stiffened noticeably and her and Frank moved to our table. My eyes widened and finally they landed on a teenager working the snack station. He kept looking over at us very uncomfortably. Samantha commanded through mind link. I nodded and looked to Holly who was sizing him up and studying him intently, I wondered what she was thinking, given her past... Samantha kept looking at him cautiously and the longer we sat here the paler the poor kid’s face became. I almost felt sorry for him. The giggling idiots were in here now and I could faintly overhear them, seems they know the rogue and were planning a way to get him in trouble or creating extra work for him later. I sighed, now I really felt bad for the kid. Samantha caught my eye, and it was like she was reading my mind. She sighed and pulled out another business card. “Holly, please buy a bottled soda and hand the kid this.” She had scribbled on the back ‘I know what you are, if you need help call me.’ Holly nodded and left to go stand in line. I watched as the kid read the note and nodded, smiling slightly. We sat there until Violet and Jake came back, they joined us at the table beside us. Jake kept glancing at the kid who was a shaking mess by now. The girls kept going up and asking for menial things, making snide remarks under their breath. Finally, another kid came up and took his spot and the pale teen left to the backroom. The giggling idiots started laughing now, not even trying to hide their bullying. They then started to make a mess on the table and floor, laughing that the ‘nerd’ would have to clean it up. I didn’t realize I was growling until Samantha grabbed my hand. Suddenly, her phone started chirping. I glanced over as she held it out so I could read it. It was from an unknown number. Unknown: Can you really help me? Samantha: I can. Are you in trouble? Unknown: No..yea.... what am I? Samantha blinked and nearly dropped her phone. I wrapped my arm around her shoulder calming her. Samantha: Do you know what you are? Unknown: I’m a monster. Samantha: No, you are not. Have you asked your parents? Unknown: They didn’t want me. I was left in a Fire Station. I was in foster care until last week when I turned 18. Samantha: Do you have a safe place to stay? Unknown: I have my car. Holly was shaking now, her eyes were angry. Her story was similar, Violet found her in a rest stop bathroom, alone and abandoned by her pack. It’s a subject that is not talked about and she has never told anyone other than Samantha the name of the pack she originated from. Their loss though, as Holly is the third best fighter in our pack, she is even able to take Greg and Jess on a good day. Samantha: Where are you staying? Unknown: There is an underpass off of North Epsod Rd. My anger flared, that poor kid! Jake and Violet glanced at me, both of them tensing up. Samantha put her hand on my leg and that calmed me slightly. Samantha: Do you have ID? Unknown: Yeah. Samantha: Alright, don’t worry. I’ll get you set up in a room tonight, when you go to the front desk give them your ID and my card. They will know what to do. I told you I would help you if you needed help. I’ll give you the answers you are looking for. Just remember, you are not a monster. There are others like you. And you will not be alone anymore. The kid came back to his post shortly after, he sighed as he got a bucket to mop the floor. The idiots started laughing again as they started throwing popcorn on the sticky soda covered floor. After a few minutes an older man came out and grabbed the kid and took him to the back room. After 15 minutes another one of our guards messaged us. Samantha started growling. She glared at the idiots who were now high-fiving each other and laughing. They were laughing about how they got that kid fired with a fake complaint. She smirked evilly. Bill glanced over, smirking. He got up and ordered 2 jumbo cherry slushies. As we got up to leave all of us walked past the idiots who were looking at us. Samantha glared at all of them. She smirked as they started to glare back. “Heard you girls were thirsty. So, I got you a treat.” She looked up just in time for Bill to dump both giant cups on their heads. Violet started laughing as the girls started screaming. She pulled out a $5 bill and threw it at them. “Here, to replace your shirts. I’m sure the thrift store still has your size!” The guards behind us all laughed, and I couldn’t help but crack a smile and wrap my arm around Samantha’s waist protectively as we walked out the door. I whispered in her ear. “That was underhanded, and a little over the top. I approve.” I chuckled as we got in our car. “What about the kid?” “I got him a room at one of our hotels a couple blocks over. I’ll have someone from our pack come by tomorrow morning and give him some information. We’ll run a background check and if I feel he is no threat then I’ll invite him into our pack.” I smiled and kissed her deeply. ~~~~~~ We sat down at the restaurant, I was surprised how everyone who worked here was a wolf. And they all knew my name. They must be from our pack. “During the busy season I hire temporary help who are mostly human.” Samantha said. “But during the off season only the wolves from our pack work here.” Across the street is a huge luxury hotel, which Samantha says is also owned by us. Just how much money do we have?! I am in awe. Of course, my Love orders a filet and vegetables, and she teases me that the chicken is very good. I glare at her playfully and order a ribeye and baked potato. Halfway through the meal Samantha looks to Frank. “Hey Frank, would you go and make me a drink?” He glanced at me before answering. “I’m sorry alpha. You are still underage. Ask me again in 2 months.” Samantha pouted. “Come on, please?” “Sorry, your mate would not approve.” Samantha glanced at me, and I wished I was anywhere else. “Naw, he doesn’t care.” Oh fuck. “Sorry, Alpha, he told me earlier in conversation that he prefers for people to be 21 before they can order a drink.” Now Samantha was glaring at me. “Did you tell him that?” I swallowed and nodded. How could I forget she was still only 20 years old?! She glared. “Okay, that’s fine. But. When I turn 21 I’m going to drink, and go to the casino, and do everything I want! And you two can go pound sand.” Shit she is mad. Violet messaged me. I admit. I smirk, if I’m going to be in the doghouse then he can join me. Violet glanced over at him eating his food, oblivious to the mess he was about to be in. We finished our meal quietly and headed back to the packhouse. Halfway home Samantha put her head on the window and fell asleep. I sighed, I wished she was over here with me...I didn’t mean to piss her off! She didn’t look comfortable either, and if she stayed that way her neck would hurt when she woke up...I sighed and pulled her to me; if she was angry about this later then I would apologize for this too. She readjusted in her sleep and soon she was cuddled into me, gripping my jacket in her hand and listening to my heartbeat.

Chapter 65